[Fukushima Prefecture] What is the anecdote that led to the name “Okinajima” in Lake Inawashiro?

Lake Inawashiro is a famous tourist spot in Fukushima Prefecture. Many people may have heard the name. In fact, there is an island called Okinajima in Lake Inawashiro, and it has a mysterious anecdote about it.

This time, we will introduce the anecdote about the origin of Okinajima and recommended spots when touring around Lake Inawashiro.

Where is “Okinajima” located in Lake Inawashiro?

Okina Island is located in Oaza Okina Island, Inawashiro Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture, and is located in the northwest of Lake Inawashiro when viewed from above. It is a small island located in the vast Lake Inawashiro, with a circumference of 49 km and an area of ​​approximately 104 square km.

The view of Okinajima from National Route 49, which runs along Lake Inawashiro, is said to be one of the most spectacular along the route.

What is the unexpected anecdote that led to the name “Okinajima”?

There are multiple anecdotes about the origin of Okinajima, and this time we will introduce two of the most influential ones.

① An anecdote called Okina Island

The origin of Okinajima is an anecdote related to Kobo Daishi Kukai.

One day in the distant past, a dirty monk was walking alone in a deserted village at the foot of Mt. Bandai. The monk was thirsty, so he went to a house and asked for a glass of water, but the beautiful woman who was in the house refused his request and replied coldly, ``Monk, there's a terrible lack of water around here.'' Ta.

After the monk leaves and walks for a while, he comes across a rather ugly-looking woman who is scrubbing rice with a small amount of water on the bank of the river. The monk approached her and said, ``Could you give me some water, please?'' The woman said, ``Please, please have a lot.'' She gave him all the water she had, which was small. I did.

The monk was moved by the woman's beautiful heart and lamented the lack of water in the village. By the morning of the next day, water was spreading all over the area, and before we knew it, a large lake had formed. Furthermore, the house of the beautiful woman who was spared water became an island in the lake, and the house of the woman who shared water was conveniently located at the edge of the lake. In fact, it is said that the monk was Kobo Daishi Kukai.

②Anecdote called Okina Island

Another famous anecdote that is said to have led to the island being called Okina Island involves the story of Kobo Daishi Kukai.

In this anecdote, a monk also visits a village, but is refused water by many of the villagers. After that, only the poor old man gave water, and the monk left the village, saying, ``Good luck will come to you if you never forget to be considerate.''

Three days later, Mt. Bandai suddenly erupted and the village sank to the bottom of Lake Inawashiro, but the area around the house of the old man who had given the water remained unsubmerged and became an island. It is said that the island came to be called ``Okinajima'' because an old man lived on this island.

Can I go to “Okinajima”? can not go?

Currently, Okina Island is an uninhabited island, and landing on the island is prohibited. In addition, a sightseeing boat used to operate near Okinashima Island, but it has now been discontinued.

However, Okinajima is an island when Lake Inawashiro is at high water, and is connected to land during the dry season, so although you can't actually visit it, it's interesting that you can enjoy the different views depending on the time of year.

Introducing sightseeing spots around Okina Island

I want to go to Ogishima and Lake Inawashiro! Here are two recommended tourist spots in the area.

Okinajima Port Marina

Okijima Port Marina is a facility located on the shores of Lake Inawashiro and is primarily used as a storage area for personal watercraft and boats. There is also a cafe restaurant on the premises, and we recommend spending a relaxing time on the terrace while looking out at the lake.

Okinajima Port Marina <Information>

• Spot name Okinajima Port Marina
• Address: 4 Kamimaeda, Onizawa, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Business hours 8:30-17:30
• Phone number 0242-63-0580
• URL https://www.okinajima.com/

Google Map

Bandai Kogen Minamigaoka Farm

Bandai Kogen Minamigaoka Farm is located about 15 minutes by car from Okina Island, and is a popular spot for families with free admission and free parking. There are various animals such as goats and horses, and the scenery is beautiful, so it's a good place to reflect on your mood.

One of the attractions is the experience of making ice cream using fresh milk.

Bandai Kogen Minamigaoka Farm <Information>

• Spot name Bandai Kogen Minamigaoka Farm
• Address: 1039-38 Toyama, Iwane, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture 
• Business hours 8:00-17:30
• Phone number 0287-76-2150
• URL http://www.minamigaoka.co.jp

Google Map

Let's go to Okinajima Island, which has many anecdotes.

This time, we have introduced the anecdote about Okinajima, a solitary island located in Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture, as well as tourist spots in the area. Although it is not possible to land, the view from the national highway is spectacular, so it is recommended as a driving course.

There are also tourist attractions in the area, so why not take advantage of it for a holiday date or family outing?